oka brand
OKA BRAND is a family of brands, created for your enjoyment. OKA BRAND specializes in unique Japanese ingredients, age-old production techniques all while bringing a modern flair to its versatile array of products. Having introduced the world to the first Sake-based Bermutto and delicious, portable single-serve sessionable sakes, OKA brand has now released its YUZU Liquor, a vibrant aromatic citrus distillate. OKA continues to push the boundaries of where tradition meets innovation.
PRODUCTS
OKA BRAND VODKA 43% ABV
Oka Vodka is made from Japanese rice in Kumamoto, the rice basket of Kyushu. Unlike most vodka that is made on a column still for mass production, Oka Vodka is made on a pot still at a traditional producer with a history spanning almost 150 years in Kumamoto. The vodka is then filtered by using locally made Japanese bincho tan, an artisanal charcoal which has been measured as the purest carbon charcoal in the world. Traditionally at vodka’s origin in Russia, birch charcoal filtration is used, but Oka Brand found that using bincho tan resulted in a superior texture and flavor for their vodka. To add further body, Oka Vodka is made at a more robust 86 proof instead of the common 80 proof of its contemporaries. Flavors of sweet rice and harmonious minerality are carried along with a slight floral bouquet often found in the ginjo sakes. Oka Vodka is truly the result of exacting detail, creativity, and uncompromising Japanese craftsmanship.
OKA BRAND YUZU VODKA 35% ABV
Yuzu citrus has become familiar in the West over the last two decades, being popularized in everything from snacks to essential oils. This unique citrus is grown across eastern Asia and is highly prized in Japan. The juice has very high acidity akin to a lemon or lime, but the aroma is much more complex than its common cousins. The base of Oka Yuzu Vodka is the same 5 times distilled spirit used in the classic Oka Vodka, that is then distilled with locally harvested yuzu. This step yields a delicate yuzu flavor that is noticeable, but the aromatics are subtle. The second step of maceration hits the flavor home, steeping fresh yuzu peels in the vodka for one week. Uncommon for flavored vodka, this second step adds an intensity of flavor that truly captures the essence of this beautiful citrus. A gentle yellow hue is naturally imparted into the vodka and adds a pleasant bitterness throughout the spirit. Truly a representation of its base ingredients, this spirit is packed with the freshness and aroma of yuzu picked from the tree. Natural and complex, Oka Yuzu Vodka is a great addition for a creative bartender, mixologist, or anyone looking for a substitute to the standard citrus vodka.
OKA BRAND GIN 43% ABV
Awards: San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2024 Winner Best in Category: Gin and Best Japanese Gin
San in Japanese means the number "three." In the case of Oka Gin, San refers its three anchoring botanicals.
1. Ichi - Juniper: Juniper is the one indispensable ingredient in any gin and Oka Gin uses two types. The European variety used is piney and bright with all the classic aromatics associated with gin. Its Himalayan counterpart has a deeper, earthy flavor that provides balance and nuance.
2. Ni - Citrus: Japan has a wide variety of delicious citrus, from mikan, a local type of mandarin orange, to sudachi, an aromatic lime like citrus found in the south of Japan. During production periods, Oka Gin combines in-season citrus to add a fresh, bright zest of aroma for this workhorse gin.
3. San - Young Ginger: Known as shoga in Japan, this renowned spice is a common element in Japanese cuisine. It is well known in the West as the ubiquitous pickled palate cleanser between bites of sushi. Oka Gin uses ginger to similar effect, adding a spicy, bitter-sweet clarity to the gin.
Oka gin is antithetical to most Japanese gins. Instead of skewing to its delicate and floral contemporaries, Oka gin is balanced and robust with a rich body any gin lover will appreciate. Wonderful in your favorite highball, or negroni riff, this gin absolutely crushes when paired with bright citrus and will grab the attention of even the staunchest juniper loving purist.
japanese bermutto 18% ABV
There is a long history of adding herbs and flavoring to sake in Japan, the same way aromatized wines like vermouth came into being in Europe. They believed that herbs and spices blended with alcohol were curative and, for more pragmatic reasons, often served to make the wine or sake taste better.
botanicals
KABOSU: High Acidity Citrus Fruit
SANSHO: Japanese Peppercorn
YOMOGI: Japanese Mugwort
YUZU: Aromatic Citrus Fruit
sweet japanese bermutto 18% ABV
vermouth botanicals
KABOSU: High Acidity Citrus Fruit
SANSHO: Japanese Peppercorn
YOMOGI: Japanese Mugwort
YUZU: Aromatic Citrus Fruit
UME: Japanese Green Plum
Special Notes: 2ND JAPANESE VERMOUTH, WITH THE ADDITION OF PLUMS AND OKINAWAN RAW CANE SUGAR.
yuzu liqueur 24% ABV
Yuzu is undoubtedly Japan's most beloved aromatic citrus fruit and Oka Brand Yuzu Liqueur is Japan's most perfect reflection of this expressive fruit in a bottle. Starting as a neutral rice spirit that's had an overnight fresh yuzu peel maceration, the foundational "yuzu spirit" is then distilled via pot still creating a base spirit with deep notes akin to lemon, lime & grapefruit. An additional 3+ week maceration of fresh yuzu peel brings brightness with a final addition of Hokkaido sugar beet sugar adding a soft sweetness & delicate lush texture.
botanicals
TYPE: Fresh Yuzu Liqueur
Special Notes: All yuzu fruit in the bottle comes from a 90+ year old grove that uses no pesticides or chemical fertilizers
OKA BRAND SAKE
There’s no better way to enjoy Japan than indulging in sake! Presenting the trio from Oka Brands, the set includes a nigori, futsushu, and junmai genshu. Our sakes are properly brewed and bottled in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture: the sake brewing capital. While somewhat unusual in the US, these single- servings encapsulate the cute, playful nature of Japan. Gluten and sulfite free.
OKA BRAND MANEKI WANKO "LUCKY DOG" FUTSUSHU SAKE 13.2% ABV
HYOGO, JAPAN
SIZE: 180ml & 900ml
CASE: 30 pack
Lucky Dog is a play on the famous Maneki Neko "Lucky Cat". Maneki Wanko, translating to "Lucky Dog" (Wan = Bark, Ko = Cute Suffix), is a character honoring all the beloved pups of Japan, from the patient Hachiko to the temple guardians, Koma Inu. Lucky Dog is a futsushu sake, designed to be easy- drinking and portable. Just like man's best friend, Lucky Dog will come with you wherever you go. Fruity aromatics of green melon lead to a crisp palate full of banana, pear, and lingering minerality. Pair this lovely table sake with rich fried foods, white fish, and avocados.
Aroma: Gentle Fruit
Type: Futsushu
Rice: Hitomebore
Texture: Crisp, Smooth
Taste: Banana, Dry Grapes
Pair With: Rich foods, White fish, Avocados
SMV: +4
Recommended Serving Temperature: Chilled
tasting notes
Hints of minerality and melon linger on a perfectly clean finish
OKA BRAND CHIBI ZUMO "LITTLE SUMO" JUNMAI GENSHU SAKE 18% ABV
HYOGO, JAPAN
SIZE: 200ml & 1.8L
CASE: 30 pack
The art of sumo is a competition of strength where successful wrestlers are renowned for their tremendous size... with the occasional, unsuspecting underdog. Little Sumo sake is a Junmai genshu; "genshu" meaning undiluted. Its higher ABV can take you off guard! Despite being refreshing and smooth, this complex sake is a force to be reckoned with. Perfectly balanced between sweet and dry with elements of fruit and nuttiness. Aromatics of ripe plums lead to flavors of bright Asian pear, banana, and almond like nuttiness. Pair with rich fatty foods, cream sauces, and cheese.
Aroma: Melon, Plum
Type: Junmai Genshu
Rice: Hitomebore
Texture: Smooth, Rich
Taste: Asian Pear, Banana, Almonds
Pair With: Rich, Fatty foods, Cheeses
SMV: +6
Recommended Serving Temperature: Chilled
tasting notes
Hints of minerality and melon linger on a perfectly clean finish
OKA BRAND YUKI NO TENSHI "SNOW ANGEL" NIGORI SAKE 12.5% ABV
HYOGO, JAPAN
SIZE: 180ml & 720ml
CASE: 20 pack
Snow Angel is a delicate, silky, unfiltered nigori that represents the soft powder of Hokkaido snow. Although winter activities are seasonal, one can enjoy Snow Angel all year round. Snow Angel is refreshing, creamy and resembles a delicious fruit basket without being overly sweet. Aromas of cantaloupe lead to a smoothly textured sake full of muscat grapes and strawberry milk. Pair the Snow Angel with spicy food, curry, BBQ, and ice cream.
Aroma: Lily flowers, Cantaloupes
Type: Nigori
Rice: Hitomebore
Texture: Smooth, Creamy, Full body
Taste: Muscat grape, Strawberry, Milky
Pair With: Spicy foods, BBQ, Curry, Ice Cream
SMV: -11
Recommended Serving Temperature: Chilled
tasting notes
Hints of minerality and melon linger on a perfectly clean finish